“I accept His will for both our lives, and I believe it’s not for us to marry. He’ll provide. I’m heartbroken and don’t understand why this is happening, but I trust He’ll give me guidance.”
A rap on the door interrupted their conversation.
Madeline raised her eyebrows. “I’ll let her in.” She left Addie’s bedroom and went to the front room. “Good morning.” She opened the door. “Addie’s in the bedroom.”
“I brought venison and boiled potatoes for their supper. I can find my way to Addie’s room. I’ll put the dish in the kitchen.”
Madeline watched her go to the kitchen then to Addie’s bedroom. She wrinkled her nose and listened. Nathaniel? She recognized his voice. He was upset and talking to the men on the porch. She threw open the door. “What’s the matter?”
Nathaniel stepped inside.
Joshua and Elijah joined Madeline and Nathaniel. Joshua removed his hat and scratched his head. “Nathaniel, I was puzzled your wagon is here. Is everything all right?”
Before Nathaniel could answer his bruder, Mrs. Stutzman approached them. “Nathaniel, I recognized your voice. What brings you here?”
Nathaniel pressed his hat to his chest. “Daed fell and bumped his head. He said he got dizzy and stumbled on the porch steps. His arm is swollen. I’m going to get the doctor.”
“Can he speak?” Madeline pressed a hand to her heart.
“Jah, he is fine to talk, but he’s in pain. I asked Mr. Yoder, our neighbor, to stay with him. He’s pressing a towel to Daed’s head to slow the bleeding. I’m scared, Joshua. What made him dizzy?”
“I have no idea. Maybe the doctor will provide answers after he’s examined him.” Joshua patted his bruder’s arm.
Mrs. Stutzman pushed open the door. “We must go.” She headed to her wagon.
Nathaniel nodded and ran off the porch to his buck wagon.
“I’m kumming too. I want to help. I’ll fetch Ruthie.” Madeline darted to the bedroom before Joshua could respond. “Addie, Nathaniel came and told us Mr. Stutzman is injured. I’m going to go with them to check on him. Will you be all right?”
Addie wrung her hands. “I insist you go. I’ll be fine. Please let me know how he is when you have a chance.”
Madeline left the bedroom.
Elijah shrugged. “I’m sorry I’m not much help, Joshua. I need to stay with Addie.”
“Of course. We can take care of Daed.”
Madeline grabbed her shawl, wrapped Ruthie in a blanket, and headed for the door. She followed Joshua to the wagon and got in. She wanted to show the Stutzmans she cared about them. “I need to let Daed know where I am. He’ll be worried.”
Joshua flicked the reins and urged the horses to a gallop. “We pass your haus on the way. We’ll stop there and tell him.” He came alongside his mamm’s wagon. “We’re stopping at the Lehmans’ to let Madeline’s daed know what has happened.”
His mamm nodded with pinched lips.
Madeline nodded to her.
Joshua passed her and hurried to the Lehmans’.
Mr. Lehman ran to them. “You all have worried faces. What’s wrong?”
Madeline explained.
“I’ll follow you over there. Maybe I can be of assistance.”
Joshua nodded. “Danki. We’ll see you there.” He guided the horses to his family’s haus.
Nathaniel and Dr. Livingston arrived at the haus at the same time as Joshua and the others.
Mr. Lehman halted his horse and jumped down to secure his animal to the hitching post. “I’ll take care of the horses.”
Madeline passed Ruthie to Nathaniel. “Would you watch her while I help Dr. Livingston?”
Joshua’s bruder stared at her, then took Ruthie. “I’ll do anything so you can help Daed.”
Madeline followed Mrs. Stutzman inside the haus.
Mrs. Stutzman directed Dr. Livingston to the bedroom.
Mr. Yoder stood and addressed Mr. Stutzman. “You’ve been able to hold the cloth to your head instead of me for the past few minutes. I’ll get out of the way. If you need anything, send Nathaniel to fetch me.”
Mrs. Stutzman said, “Danki you for help. Please give Mrs. Yoder my best.”
“Will do.” Mr. Yoder tipped his hat and left.
Madeline stepped closer to the doctor. “Do you need me to assist?”
He removed the cloth Joshua’s daed had pressed to his head and took a quick look. “Yes. Mr. Stutzman has taken quite a blow to his head. We’ll need to clean and stitch the wound. Do you mind getting my scissors, a needle, and thread out of my medical bag?”
“Not at all.” Madeline dug inside the doctor’s bag and found what he needed.
Mrs. Stutzman sat next to her husband. “Where did you fall?”
The man winced. “I walked outside and got a little dizzy as I lifted my foot to take the first step. I fell on top of my arm and hit my head on a sharp stick as I hit the hard ground. I’m not usually so clumsy.”
Joshua stood next to his mamm. “Is there anything I can do?”
“I’m in good hands, son. You, your mamm, and Nathaniel cringe at the sight of blood. You comfort them and let Madeline and Dr. Livingston take care of me.”
Joshua smiled. “Danki for kumming to help Daed, Madeline. We really appreciate it.” He escorted Mamm out of the room and joined Nathaniel in the kitchen.
“I’ll go fetch some clean water.” Madeline left to wash her hands, returned with a clean pot of water, and handed the doctor each item as he requested it. She swallowed the fear of rejection from the Stutzmans in her throat. They’d not objected to her being there. Nathaniel was still holding Ruthie, and his smile hinted he was enjoying her. A miracle for sure. For the first time in a while, hope sprang within her.
Dr. Livingston cleaned, stitched, and bandaged the patient’s head wound. He washed his hands and examined his patient’s arm. “I don’t know what caused this. You are alert and oriented. Can you walk a few steps for me?”
Mr. Stutzman stood and walked gingerly, holding his injured arm. “The dizziness is gone. I don’t have trouble walking.”
“I don’t know what caused your dizziness. You seem fine now. If you experience any light-headedness again, come and see me. Please sit and hold out your arm.” The doctor pressed on his arm in several places.
“Ouch!” Mr. Stutzman looked at the ceiling.
“I’m sorry. I had to check the bones. Please turn your arm from side to side.”
Mr. Stutzman grimaced and moved his arm slowly as the doctor had instructed him.
“I don’t believe you’ve broken any bones. You’ll need to baby it for a few weeks. No lifting anything heavy.”
“I don’t believe I could even if I wanted to.” Mr. Stutzman held his arm tenderly with the other one.
“I suggest you take a strip of cloth and make a sling to hold your injured arm to your chest until it starts to feel better.”
“I have property to maintain. What will I do?”
“You’ve got friends and family to help you. You’ll need to let them take over until you recover.”
Madeline knelt beside him. “My daed will be happy to lend a hand. He and Joshua work well together. Please let him kumme and work with your sons.” She smiled. “I would be happy to make you a sling. I’ll ask Mrs. Stutzman for some material.”
Dr. Livingston stood. “You’ll need to clean your wound and put a fresh bandage on daily for the next two weeks.” He put a roll of gauze on the small table next to him.
“My sons and fraa turn away at the sight of blood. With my injured arm, I’ll need someone to change the bandage for me.” He looked at Dr. Livingston. “Would you mind?”
“I’m sorry. I’m too busy, but maybe Madeline would have the time. She’s been a big help to me with Addie, and now you.”
Madeline met Mr. Stutzman’s gaze. “I’d be happy to.”
Joshua’s daed gazed at her with sad eyes. “I’d be grateful to you.”
&nbs
p; Tears stained her cheeks. “I’ll kumme at ten in the morning right after I do chores. Does the time work for you?”
“Jah, I appreciate it.”
Madeline felt as if she’d grown wings and could fly. Joshua’s parents had given her a glimmer of hope. Would Nathaniel? And what about Ruthie? Would they wilkom her into their home too? She’d bring her to their home each day, and she hoped they’d kumme to love her. At least they were headed in the right direction. She and Dr. Livingston went to the kitchen. Her daed, Mrs. Stutzman, Joshua, and Nathaniel, holding Ruthie, were sitting around the table. They said good-bye and thanked Dr. Livingston for his help.
Joshua said, “Let’s all go join Daed in the bedroom.” He led the way, and they followed. He pulled up chairs for Madeline, Mr. Lehman, Nathaniel, and himself.
Mr. Stutzman moved over in the bed to make room for his fraa. “Gather around the bed. I wouldn’t mind some company.” He smiled at Madeline. “Madeline will be kumming by the haus to change my bandages each day.”
Joshua’s mamm sat on the bed next to her husband. “Sounds good to me. I and your sons can’t stand the sight of wounds and stitches. I’m thankful you’re willing to do so, Madeline.”
Madeline pressed a hand to her heart. She wanted to shout with joy. “I’m pleased to do it.”
Joshua motioned toward the front door. “Madeline, kumme outside with me for a few minutes.” He waited until they were on the porch. “My heart is beating fast. You’re generous to kumme and help Daed. I’m shocked Daed and Mamm agreed to Dr. Livingston’s suggestion it be you.”
“I am grateful.” Madeline smiled wide. “Daed and your family were laughing when I entered the room, and your bruder is still cradling Ruthie in his arms.”
“He hasn’t stopped smiling since he began holding her.”
“I’m happy your family is finally giving me a chance. Oh, Joshua, this is a miracle!” She gave him a reluctant glance. “I don’t want to go, but I must get Ruthie home and feed her.”
He kissed her cheek. “I’ll open the door for you.” They went back to the bedroom. Madeline reached for Ruthie. “Danki, Nathaniel, for watching over Ruthie.”
“My pleasure.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “She loves it when I tickle her. She kept your daed, Mamm, and me in stitches with her giggles.”
Madeline’s heart warmed. Nathaniel had succumbed to Ruthie’s sweet nature. She’d won him over, something she’d never imagined would happen. Joshua had never given up faith God would work a miracle in their lives. Shame on her. She shouldn’t have either. She’d do her best to show them her motives with their son were honorable. “We’d best be on our way.”
Mrs. Stutzman smiled. “Danki, both for your time and kindness.”
Madeline and her daed waved and went to their wagon.
On the way home, Daed patted her knee. “Your smile is making my day. I’m surprised you’ll be the one to change Mr. Lehman’s bandages. I see God’s hand in this.”
“Me too.” She took a deep breath and grinned.
* * *
Joshua grinned at Nathaniel. “Ruthie was comfortable with you.”
Chin to his chest, Nathaniel shrugged. “She’s a beauty.” He walked away before Joshua could say anything else.
His bruder had softened. What would he find with his parents? He went inside and returned to his parents’ bedroom. “Daed, how are you doing?”
“My head hurts, but I’m more worried about my arm.”
Mrs. Stutzman held her husband’s hand. “Let your sons take care of our property. I can help them too. You need to do as the doctor told you and let your arm heal.”
Joshua pulled a chair close to his mamm’s. “I’m glad you both accepted Madeline’s offer to change your bandages.”
His parents exchanged a guilty glance.
His daed said, “It’s very kind of her.”
His mamm nodded.
Not the reaction he was hoping for, but maybe it was premature at this point. He’d be patient. “I’ll be by tomorrow to check on you. If you need me, please don’t hesitate to send Nathaniel. I love you both.” He headed out the door.
On his way home, he said, “Dear Heavenly Father, please heal Daed. Danki for Your hand in my family’s willingness to allow Madeline into their home in the kumming days, and please open their eyes to realize what a kind and loving woman I long to have as my fraa. How I want to marry her. Please, Heavenly Father, bring our families together. Amen.” He would marry Madeline Lehman one day. He was sure of it. He just had to convince her to have faith and believe it too.
Chapter 6
The next morning, Madeline arrived with Ruthie.
“Daed, danki for dropping me off.”
“I’m going to stay. I’m sure Nathaniel can use some help.”
“You’ll be behind on your chores. I’m sure Nathaniel and Joshua can handle things for Mr. Stutzman.”
“Joshua has helped me without hesitation on many occasions. I can handle our place, and I’d like to help.”
“You’re a wonderful man, Daed. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You go on in. I’ll take care of the horse.”
Nathaniel met her at the door. “I’m glad you brought Ruthie. Do you mind if I take her?” He reached for the boppli.
Stunned, Madeline passed her to him. “Danki.” She chuckled. “Ruthie is certainly comfortable with you.”
The boppli cooed and patted Nathaniel’s cheek.
“We’ve become fast friends.” Joshua’s bruder beamed.
Joshua waved her over. “If you need anything, please fetch me. I’m going to be mending the corral fence. My family seems receptive to you kumming today. I think you’ll find them very appreciative you’re willing to help Daed.” He beamed. “Are you comfortable going inside alone?”
“Jah, I’d prefer it. I want them to know I’m sincere and it will give me time alone with your parents to allow them to say anything they would like without you there. Yesterday, things went well. I’m hoping today will be even better.”
Joshua squeezed her hand. “I’m proud of you.”
Her daed approached them. “Joshua, can I help you with anything?”
“I could use a second pair of hands.”
Mr. Lehman rubbed his hands. “Lead the way. I’m ready.”
She grinned at the men and walked to Nathaniel, who was sitting on the porch rocking Ruthie.
Should she talk to him about Catherine and ask him to find it in his heart not to hold her schweschder’s wrongdoing against her? No. She wouldn’t ruin their happy moment. “Daed is going to stay and help with chores.”
He nodded. “Your daed is quite a gentleman. I’ll go out and join him and Joshua.” He handed Ruthie to her.
Madeline carried Ruthie inside.
Mrs. Stutzman greeted her. “I’ve got coffee. Would you like a cup?”
“Please.” She followed her to the kitchen. “How is the patient?”
Mrs. Stutzman sat across from her at the kitchen table and passed her a cup. “He slept like a bear in hibernation last night, and he devoured his oatmeal this morning. I helped him get dressed.”
Madeline stifled her surprise. Mrs. Stutzman spoke to her as if they were friends. The tight-lipped woman she had encountered on numerous occasions at church had disappeared. Her relaxed and amiable manner was unusual. She couldn’t believe her eyes.
“I’m glad he’s on the mend. I’m sure it will take time, but I’m happy to assist in any way I can.”
Joshua’s mamm snapped her fingers. “I forgot to find fabric for you to rip and make a sling.” She jumped up and retrieved it from a chair in the corner. “I left my basket of assorted fabric on the chair last night to remind me. Little good that did.” She held up the material. “What do you think? Will this do?” She held up a long piece of material.
She stared in wonder. Mrs. Stutzman had asked for her opinion. Her heart skipped. She’d take all the kindness the woman was willing
to bestow. “The size is perfect.”
“Would you make the sling and fit it to him? He might take it better from you than me. He says I’m bossy sometimes.”
Madeline swallowed her chuckle. Bossy. Jah, she’d have to agree with Mr. Stutzman. “I’d be glad to.” She glanced at Mrs. Stutzman. “Do you mind holding Ruthie while I tend to Mr. Stutzman?”
“I’d love to. I dragged out the cradle Joshua and Nathaniel both slept in for her.”
Ruthie cooed.
“She’s in a cheerful mood.”
“She really likes Nathaniel.”
Mrs. Stutzman rocked Ruthie in her arms. “He couldn’t stop gushing about her after you left. She’s a pretty little boppli.”
Madeline swallowed the surprise in her throat. The reception she and Ruthie had received this morning was a far cry from what they were used to from Mrs. Stutzman. She was elated. “I have to warn you, she’ll charm you with her cheerful disposition.”
Mrs. Stutzman chuckled. “I’ll take my chances.” She snatched up a small box and tossed it to Madeline. “The doctor left some gauze for changing his dressing.”
Madeline caught it and headed to the bedroom.
Mr. Stutzman smiled. “Good morning, Madeline. How’s Ruthie today?”
“She’s entertaining your fraa. She’s a happy boppli.” Madeline washed her hands in the bowl of clean water on a corner table and dried them, then she changed Joshua’s daed’s dressing. “Your wound doesn’t ooze or seep, I’m pleased to report.” She washed her hands again, then reached for the fabric. She tore it, satisfied with the length,, and tied it in a knot, making a large loop. “May I place this over your head to your neck? You can place your arm in it, and we’ll adjust it as necessary.”
Joshua’s daed held still while she put the loop in place. He grunted and put his arm in the sling. “It’s a perfect fit. Danki.”
“I hope it helps.” Mrs. Stutzman came in with Ruthie and rubbed his arm.
The couple shared a good relationship. Their love was evident in the way they held each other’s gazes, Mrs. Stutzman’s touch to her husband’s arm, and her words of encouragement. Madeline longed for her and Joshua to share this type of love into their old age one day. She stayed and chatted with them for a couple of hours.
Amish Brides Page 17